Ofcom has made urgent contact with TikTok following a disturbing livestream by celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, in which he appeared to self-harm. The regulator is seeking to understand what steps the platform has taken to protect users.
Ofcom's response
A spokesperson for Ofcom said: "We are aware of serious concerns raised about self-harm content on TikTok. We have made urgent contact with TikTok to understand the steps it has taken to comply with its legal duties to protect users, including children."
Earlier this year, Ofcom launched an investigation into whether TikTok is complying with its duties to protect children from harmful content.
Incident details
The former Celebrity Big Brother star, 48, worried fans during a live broadcast on TikTok, where he appeared to be covered in blood and brandishing a knife. Local police received multiple emergency calls regarding his welfare.
Officers spoke with family members at the scene and later confirmed Perez had been alone inside the property before they decided to "tactically disengage" while reviewing the situation.
Police statement
A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Sheriff's office said: "In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritise de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication. Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilising crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimise the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public."
Perez was later "safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention." Officers from the Crisis Response Unit and Licensed Mental Health Professionals stayed on the scene to provide support to the family.
Video removal and statement
The video has since been removed from the platform, and Perez's TikTok account has been suspended. In a statement to TMZ, Perez's spokesperson said: "We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton. At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. Our primary concern is Perez's health and well-being, as well as his family's well-being. Until we have confirmed information, we will not speculate or comment further. We appreciate everyone's concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time."
